HISTORY.
The history runs deep on Anga’s Farm. This site was declared as the last remaining working farm by Etobicoke City Council on October 6th 1997.
Originally part of a 150-acre land purchase made by John Grubb in 1833, parts of the land have since been subdivided. In 1950, Percy and Gloria Kirby bought 4 acres of fertile land.
The Kirby’s farmed the land and sold the produce to wholesalers as well to local residents. They constructed greenhouses and cold frames that grew a variety of crops, including rhubarb, cabbage and tomatoes. Two of the current greenhouses at Anga’s Farm & Nursery are constructed on the footings of the original greenhouses from the 1960s.
ANGA’S PUMPKIN PATCH.
After the Kirby’s, the property was sold to developers who tried to rezone the property in order to allow a small subdivision to be built. Local residents and the Councilor opposed this project, forcing the developer to resell the property.
Meanwhile, John Anga would drive by the property occasionally and dream of buying it, even though by now it had been abandoned and run down. When the “For Sale” sign went up again in 1980, he acted immediately and purchased the land.
At first, local residents were fearful that Anga wanted to develop the land like the previous owner and fortunately, that wasn’t his plan. Over time, Anga renovated the existing house and rebuilt the greenhouses and other run-down structures.
ANGA’S FARM & NURSERY.
Soon, Anga began growing vegetables and fruits in his orchard, operating a plant nursery, and producing honey.
In 1997, just before the amalgamation of Toronto, the City of Etobicoke officially recognized his property as the last working farm in Etobicoke.
Today, Anga’s Farm continues to honor the tradition of early settlers who farmed the fertile lands along the Humber River. Thousands of plants are grown in the greenhouses and sold at the garden centre, preserving the legacy of this unique property.
Anga’s Farm is also a prominent gathering place in the community, where locals come together for workshops, events, and activities that foster connection and learning.